$199.00
Out of stock
USS Cairo | On of the first American ironclad warships. The USS Cairo was built by James Eads and Co., Mound City, Illinois. In June 1862, she captured the Confederate garrison of Fort Pillow on the Mississippi, enabling Union forces to occupy Memphis. She served with the army’s Western Gunboat Flotilla on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, and their tributaries until she was transferred to the Navy on October 1, 1862 with the other river gunboats.
The U.S.S. Cairo was a gunboat built for the Union Navy during the American Civil War. It was named after the city of Cairo, Illinois, which was a strategic location for controlling the Mississippi River. The ship was commissioned in January 1862 and played a significant role in the Union’s efforts to gain control of the Mississippi River. The Cairo was a powerful vessel, measuring 175 feet in length and armed with thirteen guns, including two powerful XI-inch Dahlgren smoothbores. It was also uniquely designed with a flat bottom, allowing it to navigate shallow waters and navigate through difficult river conditions.
The U.S.S. Cairo Model Kit features a solid Basswood hull, Britannia cast metal fittings, Photo-etched brass details, laser-cut parts, resin, brass, styrene, thread, and wire. Display cradle is also included. It is important to note that some pictured items may have been built with optional items not included as part of standard kits, such as pedestals, bases, cases, paint, etc.
If there are any questions about the contents of a particular kit, please contact Bluejacket.
LOA: 11.5″
Scale: 1/16″
Finished Model: $1,990.00
About the
The U.S.S. Cairo was involved in several key battles during the Civil War, including the siege of Vicksburg and the capture of Fort Hindman on the Arkansas River. It also played a crucial role in the Union’s campaign to capture New Orleans, the largest city in the Confederacy at the time. The ship’s firepower and maneuverability were instrumental in these battles, as it could easily navigate through narrow waterways and engage enemy vessels with its powerful guns.
Despite its impressive capabilities, the U.S.S. Cairo faced many challenges during its time in service. The river conditions were harsh, and the crew often had to navigate through treacherous obstacles such as sandbars, snags, and torpedoes. In fact, the Cairo was the first ship in the Union Navy to be sunk by an electrically detonated torpedo, which caused significant damage but did not sink the ship. However, this incident prompted the Union Navy to develop countermeasures against torpedoes, which proved to be crucial in future battles.
The crew of the U.S.S. Cairo also faced the constant threat of Confederate attacks. The ship was often stationed in hostile territories and had to navigate through enemy fire while engaging in battle. Despite these dangers, the crew remained dedicated and resilient, carrying out their duties with great courage and determination.
Tragically, the U.S.S. Cairo met its fate on December 12, 1862, when it struck two torpedoes and sank in the Yazoo River. Thankfully, the crew was able to evacuate safely, but the ship was lost. It remained at the bottom of the river for over a century until it was rediscovered and eventually salvaged in the 1960s. The U.S.S. Cairo was then restored and is now on display at the Vicksburg National Military Park, serving as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifices made by the Union Navy during the Civil War.
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$199.00
Out of stock
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